Compare Mowers
List prices are the manufacturer’s published figures, re-checked daily; they exclude tax, freight and dealer setup.
A side-by-side reference of each model's stated specifications. MowerFacts doesn’t give opinions: where a published, spec-derived rule can separate machines we mark a Data Pick and show the rule; here, read the values and decide what fits your needs.
Best suited for
What each model is built for, from its duty class and key specs. This is a neutral reference — MowerFacts does not rank one model above another.
- Husqvarna MZ 48 Special Edition — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
- Spartan Spartan Defender — commercial: daily paid use and high acreage; 48-inch deck; gas powered
What’s different? The 4 differences that matter most, from the published figures.
- MZ 48 Special Edition cuts from 1.5 in (38 mm) to 4.5 in (114 mm); Spartan Defender cuts from 1 in (25 mm) to 5 in (127 mm). The cut-height range is the shortest and tallest cut the deck offers. Most lawns are kept well inside it.
- MZ 48 Special Edition lists at $5,999; Spartan Defender lists at $6,799, a $800 difference. List price is the maker's own figure before tax, freight and dealer setup. Dealers set the final price.
- MZ 48 Special Edition has a published top speed of 8.5 mph; Spartan Defender has a published top speed of 8 mph, a 0.5 mph difference. Top speed is the maker's maximum in transport. Mowing speed is lower and depends on grass, terrain and the deck.
- MZ 48 Special Edition weighs 740 lbs (335.7 kg); Spartan Defender weighs 765 lbs (347 kg), a 25 lbs difference. Operating weight bears on trailer payload, ramps and soft turf. On its own it says nothing about build quality. What MZ 48 Special Edition's weight means for a trailer ›
calculated figures and what isn’t comparable
Calculated by MowerFacts
- MZ 48 Special Edition works out to 3.3 acres/hour; Spartan Defender works out to 3.1 acres/hour, a 0.2 acres/hour difference. Calculated by MowerFacts from deck width and the published top speed at 80% efficiency; it is not a manufacturer figure, and real mowing is slower.
Not comparable
- Displacement: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Warranty: not published for MZ 48 Special Edition.
- Blades: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Transmission: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Deck Material: not published for Spartan Defender.
- Deck Construction: not published for MZ 48 Special Edition.
- Discharge: not published for Spartan Defender.
Verified means each manufacturer publishes the figure. A bigger number is only a bigger number; nothing here says which machine is better. The full specification table is below.
Which is faster on your property? › Measure your lawn once and MowerFacts times all 2 against it.
| Spec | MZ 48 Special Edition Husqvarna · Zero-Turn |
Spartan Defender Spartan · Zero-Turn |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $5,999 | $6,799 |
| Engine | ||
| Power Source | gas | gas |
| Displacement | 44.2 ci (724.3 cc) | — |
| Engine Power | 23 hp | 23 hp |
| Engine Make | Kawasaki | Kawasaki |
| Engine Model | FR Series | — |
| Cylinders | 2 | — |
| Deck | ||
| Cutting Width | 48 in (1219 mm) | 48 in (1219 mm) |
| Blades | 3 | — |
| Min Cut Height | 1.5 in (38 mm) | 1 in (25 mm) |
| Max Cut Height | 4.5 in (114 mm) | 5 in (127 mm) |
| Deck Material | Steel | — |
| Deck Construction | — | 4.5", 7 gauge deck |
| Anti-Scalp Rollers | Yes | — |
| Discharge | Collect/Mulch/Side discharge | — |
| Cut Positions | 13 | — |
| Drive | ||
| Transmission | Hydrostatic | — |
| Ground Speed | 8.5 mph | 8 mph |
| Drive Tire Size | — | 22x11-10 Carlisle Turf Armor |
| Dimensions | ||
| Weight | 740 lbs (335.7 kg) | 765 lbs (347 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 5 gal (18.9 L) | 5 gal (18.9 L) |
| Length | 75.5 in (1918 mm) | 81 in (2057 mm) |
| Width | — | 43.5 in (1105 mm) |
| Height | 42 in (1067 mm) | 74 in (1880 mm) |
| Commercial / Pro | ||
| Frame Construction | — | 1.5" by 3" Powder Coated Frame |
| Seat Type | Full suspension, arm rests | Premium |
| General | ||
| Warranty | — | 3 yr |
Where these models differ, explained
MZ 48 Special Edition: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — husqvarna.com.
Spartan Defender: Specs verified against the manufacturer spec sheet on Jun 6, 2026 — joinspartannation.com.
Independent reference database. Specs compiled from manufacturer sources and normalized for comparison; verify with the manufacturer or dealer before purchase.